Here's How Antifa's 'Night Of Rage' Played Out In Atlanta
It’s been a chaotic week in Atlanta. After the death of 26-year-old Manuel Esteban Paez Teran earlier in the week, the city experienced its most violent protests this past Saturday. The destruction of property, violence, and unrest in response to a call for a “Night of Rage” by Antifa members has been shocking and disheartening for many.
The destruction of property included the torching of a police car and the smashing of windows of at least three businesses. Police Chief Darin Schierbaum reported that some of the protesters had explosives on them, which were used to set the car ablaze. Six people were arrested and are currently facing charges.
🚨#BREAKING: Violent protests have been reported in Atlanta
Violent protests have erupted tonight in Atlanta after police killed a man on the 18th. There are reports of police cruisers on fire and rocks being thrown as activists call for a “Night of Rage”. pic.twitter.com/qKTc20g79n
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 22, 2023
The protests have been linked to the building of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which is to be built by the Atlanta Police Foundation. This has caused some activists to express concern about the environmental impact of the project’s tree-cutting and the potential militarization of the police force.
The “Stop Cop City” organization, which maintain that they are peaceful protesters, released a statement claiming that the destruction of property was a response to the shady nonprofit that funnels weapons and military gear into the city. However, many are questioning this statement given the level of violence and destruction that occurred.
Governor Brian Kemp has been vocal in condemning the protesters' actions, tweeting “Violence and unlawful destruction of property are not acts of protest. They are crimes that will not be tolerated in Georgia and will be prosecuted fully.” It’s important to remember that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy. But the right to protest doesn’t include the right to cause destruction and mayhem.
🚨#UPDATE: Police say six people were arrested after a small group within the crowd damaged two police vehicles and 3 businesses downtown. the unrest started when an activist was killed after firing a gun at police while protesting a new training site.https://t.co/MmHb8nPWlx
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 22, 2023
The events of this past Saturday are a reminder of the importance of law enforcement and the need for an effective training facility. The Atlanta Police Foundation has been working hard to develop a facility that will help train and equip police with the skills they need to protect the public. It’s essential that they be allowed to do their job without fear of violence and destruction from extremist groups.
It’s clear that the true intent of the protests this weekend was to cause chaos and destruction and not to promote meaningful change. To truly make a difference, it’s important to engage in peaceful and productive dialogue. And it’s also important to support our law enforcement officers and their efforts to keep us safe.